Thank you for the excellent article describing the recent discovery by Integrated Tissue Dynamics in Rensselaer of the first physical evidence of a pathology associated with fibromyalgia ("Cure for painful malady is closer," June 8).
This is a major step to develop better treatments for this previously mysterious and controversial disease. Such a discovery will hopefully be an important relief for fibromyalgia patients, who can take comfort in knowing that there is something physically wrong.
The support from the Center for Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience at Albany Medical College and Upstate Clinical Research Associates was mentioned in the article. But the Department of Neurology at Albany Medical College also made an important contribution.
I would like to acknowledge the other key contributors and co-authors to this ground-breaking research, which was an all-Albany area team: Phillip Albrecht, Center for Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience and a partner at Integrated Tissue Dynamics; Dr. Charles Argoff and Dr. James Wymer, neurologists, Albany Medical College Department of Neurology; Dr. James Storey, neurologist, Upstate Clinical Research Associates; and Dr. Quanzhi Hou, a postdoctoral fellow. The clinical portions were performed at Albany Medical College and Upstate Clinical Research Associates, and the analyses of the nerve endings were performed at Integrated Tissue Dynamics.
Most importantly, we wish to thank the many patient volunteers who participated.
Frank L. Rice
President, CEO,
chief scientist,
Integrated Tissue Dynamics Rensselaer